If you’re looking for the perfect spot to host your next corporate gathering, Washington state is just about perfect. With plenty of gorgeous views and outdoor activities combined with cities large enough to offer 5-star dining and accommodations, what more could you ask for?
So go beyond the typical ice-breaker activities, drab hotel meeting rooms, and PowerPoint presentations. Get outside, arrange for an oyster happy hour, and take advantage of everything Washington has to offer. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Planning ahead & choosing the right location
Before you decide on your hotel and activities, establish your objective for the team-building event. Are you planning to keep everyone busy from 9-5 with group activities? In that case, a more outdoor, remote area could be perfect. If you want individual squads and departments to have time to gather separately, then a more walkable area like Seattle might be best.
By setting your intentions and priorities, you’ll be able to decide on your specific location and venue.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, here are some areas you might consider for your team-building event..
Seattle and Surrounding Areas:
For the convenience of an urban setting, Seattle is ideal. Your team can try out escape rooms, take group cooking classes, and feast on some amazing team lunches, fresh seafood, and happy hours. You’ll be able to choose from hotel meeting rooms, coworking spaces, and rooftop venues with stunning views of the city.
Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park:
If you want to offer a lot of time outdoors, Olympic National Park or Mount Rainier National Park are the perfect backdrop for a fulfilling and restorative nature-focused retreat. Organize hikes, camping trips, and outdoor adventures that foster camaraderie and encourage team members to connect with one another in a peaceful, natural setting. Plus, you’ll enjoy mountain views and coastal beaches while you’re setting goals for the next quarter.
Budgeting
You probably want to get right into planning the fun stuff. But you’ll need to start by estimating how much those team lunches, overnight stays, and Space Needle tickets are going to set you back.
Calculate your projected costs for venue, transportation, catering, activities, and accommodations. Keep in mind that you may also be covering some expenses before and after the trip itself, such as rides to the airport and meals while in-transit. Ensure your budget is both comprehensive and flexible to cover any unexpected costs.
Many venues and activity providers offer group discounts or package deals, especially for corporate events. Take advantage of these savings to stay within your budget. Group-oriented options such as a charter bus rental will help you save by transporting everyone as a group, rather than leaving it up to individuals to find public transportation or ride shares.
To keep costs low, consider holding your event during the off-season. Local parks and free-to-access nature areas are also excellent budget-friendly options.
Team-building activities in Washington
No standard Zoom ice-breakers here: it’s time to plan your group itinerary. No doubt, the natural landscape of Washington will inspire you to devise creative activities that no one will forget.
Outdoor adventures:
If your team enjoys physical challenges, Washington’s outdoor landscape offers ziplining, hiking, and obstacle courses. These activities encourage teamwork, communication, and trust as team members work together to overcome challenges. Plus, there are options that are accessible to people of varying skill and confidence levels.
Workshops:
For teams that prefer a more creative approach to team-building, consider organizing group art projects, cooking challenges, or even music workshops. These activities allow team members to collaborate in a fun, relaxed environment while encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. Seattle is home to plenty of creatives and musicians, so you may even be able to recruit a celebrity guest or host for your workshop.
Problem-solving games:
Problem-solving activities like escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and geocaching are a great way to improve collaboration and critical thinking. These games require teams to work together under pressure, solving puzzles and challenges to reach a common goal. Since Seattle is a popular destination for corporate retreats, you have several options to choose from.
Relaxation and wellness:
If your team needs a break from the daily grind, consider organizing a wellness retreat. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm and balance. And with scenic views in every direction, there’s no better place to find your center than Washington state.
Where to stay
Choosing the right venue and accommodations is just as important as selecting activities.
Washington offers a range of venue options, from corporate meeting rooms in Seattle to cabins in Olympic National Park. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, urban space or a rustic, nature-based retreat, there’s a venue to suit your needs. And for large views, venues like this will likely have a significant cost-savings over cities like New York or the Bay Area.
When deciding on the venue, also consider where everyone will eat. Would you prefer pre-arranged team dinners, free time to let people explore, or a combination of both? This will help you decide whether you need to nearby walkable restaurants and shops, or perhaps a venue that provides catering. Washington’s culinary scene is diverse, with options ranging from casual food trucks to gourmet dining experiences. Consider hiring local vendors to provide fresh, regionally inspired meals.
Just be sure to take a poll in advance so you’re aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Decide on the length of your event based on the team’s needs and schedule. A one-day event might be perfect for teams looking for a quick bonding session, while a weekend retreat or multi-day experience offers deeper engagement and a chance for team members to truly unwind.
Getting around
Seattle is a big city, and you’ll need a plan for transporting everyone from one place to another; especially if you want to take advantage of Seattle’s amenities while also hitting a national park.
When transporting a large group, a shuttle bus rental will provide a cost-effective and efficient way to get around. They allow your team to travel together, promoting bonding during the trip, and eliminate the need for multiple vehicles or complicated carpooling logistics.
And if the rest of your trip is jam-packed, then an hour or two traveling from a conference center to a hiking trail will likely be a welcome respite for your team to take a breather or catch up on emails.
Inclusivity and accessibility
When planning activities, ensure there’s a variety of options that cater to different physical abilities and interests. Offer less physically demanding activities for those who may prefer a quieter or less active experience.
Provide a balance of physical, mental, and creative activities to engage all personality types. For example, offer a mix of group challenges, reflective activities, and casual bonding opportunities.
Make sure the event feels welcoming and comfortable for everyone, including introverts and extroverts. Having small group activities or individual reflection time can help more reserved team members feel at ease.
Start planning your next corporate retreat in Washington
Of course, a team-building event gives your organization valuable time in-person to reflect on goals and plan for the next year. But it’s also more than that. When it’s done right, it can significantly increase overall satisfaction, team trust, and feelings of camaraderie.
Seattle and the gorgeous parks of Washington state are the perfect location to turn this event into a meaningful retreat that your team looks forward to year after year.